Shopping for gifts for people who like yoga? Here’s a roundup of great presents – many available at your local Yoga Tree studio in San Francisco so you can shop when you go to a class (how’s that for multi-tasking?!).

When I give gifts, I like to create an experience. So I grouped items together so that you could create a kit for your loved one, whether they’re a newbie yogi or someone who wants to create a home practice.

For the New Yogi

Know someone just getting into yoga? Get them all the essentials so they’re ready for their first class: a yoga mat, microfiber towel, and mat bag/sling to get them started.

If you know someone who’s really getting into yoga, I recommend getting them a high quality mat. When we all start we usually buy a cheap $20 mat, which is fine in the beginning. What’s the difference? Good mats are much thicker, and therefore have more cushion. They are also made of better materials and once they’re broken in, you don’t slip nearly as much. I’ve had my Jade mat for almost two years now, and every time I roll it out it’s like coming home – I love it. A high quality mat is something most new yoga students don’t buy for themselves but is totally worth it and would make an amazing gift (a few people are getting them from me this year!). Jade and Manduka are both great manufacturers (both are available at Yoga Tree studios – it’s great to be able to feel a mat first).

For the Yogi on the Go

Get your busy yogi eco-friendly containers so they sip and snack on their way to and from class (or work).

Bkr is a slick, bubbly glass water bottle with a soft, colorful silicone sleeve. These water bottles feel great to the touch. They are BPA-free and all-clean everything. (Available at most Yoga Tree studios)

These are so cool! Made of double-walled glass, you can brew loose-leaf tea in the container because it has a filter in it. It’s made for hot or cold beverages; it has a wide-mouth so you can add ice cubes. It’s the perfect gift for your tea lovin’ friends and family – they will appreciate a relaxing tea moment anywhere, anytime with their practical travel tea mug. (Available at most Yoga Tree studios)

For the Fashionable Yogi

Yoga Tree has some pretty beautiful clothing and accessories – next time you’re at a studio definitely check them out.
Here are a few favorites:

Funky Yoga Ceramic Mug ($22): At 18oz, this cup is large enough for coffee, tea, soup or oatmeal!

For the Pretty Yogi (because yoga makes you look good)

For the yogi who cares about what goes on their body as much as what goes in it, buy some wonderful organic beauty products.

Pangea Skin Care Kit ($40)

Crafted in small batches, using pure, organic ingredients that replenish the skin and soothe or stimulate your senses. I met the founder earlier this year and got to try some of the products; they’re incredible. This kit is a great value that will totally pamper your loved one.

BeautyCounter Lotion, Sugar Scrub and Rose Water Spray (from $22)

A line of healthy, chic and the best skin care products & cosmetics with a mission is to educate families about safer products.

PapayaArt Accessory pouches ($22-32)

Featuring original artwork and using a special range of paintings, drawings, & mixed media to achieve a signature aesthetic, this would be lovely to put all those nice skin products in so your yogi can freshen up after class.

For the Yogi with a Home Practice

The goal of many yoga students is to develop a home practice – but many find it challenging. Make it easier for them by giving them a few essentials to create the studio experience at home.

I like to start my home practice by lighting a candle to create a special space for my practice. I adore Kobo ($42) Woodblock Collection Candles. Made from 100% American Soy wax, they come in rich scents like Dark Casis, Silk Road Spice and Stoneflower (available at Yoga Tree Corte Madera only). Also check out the beautiful Mercury Tea Light Holders in bright yellows and greens from Roost ($11) at Yoga Tree Corte Madera.

Having props is essential to elevate your home practice. Buy your yogi a block and a strap (I use these ones by Gaiam) to get them started.

One of the hardest things about starting a home practice is not knowing what to do. Get them a subscription to Yoga Download or Yoga Vibes (see below for more info) so they can take a class at home.

Read more tips on creating a home practice here. And be sure to point them to our yoga playlists to help set the mood for their practice.

For the Traveling Yogi

When I used to travel a lot for work, practicing in my hotel room helped me stay grounded (and really helped combat jet lag!). Read more tips on maintaining a yoga practice when you travel here.

Gaiam’s Travel Yoga Mat folds up to the size of a large book (folded in thirds, it lines the bottom of a carry-on suitcase). There’s something about having your own mat that makes practice more enjoyable. This mat went with me to ten countries – I’ve even pulled it out in an airport during a long layover! Much better than using a towel on your hotel room floor. When you’re not traveling, you can use it on top of your regular mat for extra grip.

Since they can’t make it to their favorite class, why not give them a class to take with them? I used Yoga Download all the time when I was traveling. They have downloadable audio and video classes (20 minute classes are free and also available on iTunes, longer classes are pay – check out their membership options). For audio classes, there are pdf pose guides included with the download so you can see the posture sequence. I mention a few good classes in this post if you’re looking for recommendations.

I recently learned that Yoga Vibes features some great Yoga Tree teachers! I haven’t tried them out, but looking forward to it (they have a 15-day free trial). How wonderful to take your favorite teacher home (or on the road) with you!